Popular Saltwater Fish Species for your Aquarium
Here are some of the most popular saltwater fish species that are commonly kept in aquariums, each with unique characteristics and care requirements.
A common rule of thumb for how many marine fish you can keep in an aquarium is to allow 1 inch of fish per gallon of water; however, this can vary depending on the specific fish species and their size, with reef tanks generally requiring even more space per fish due to their larger waste output and need for swimming room.
Sailfin Tang
Violet Soldierfish
Pyramid Butterflyfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Purple Tang
Goldspecs Jawfish
Overview Found in various marine environments worldwide. Known for their characteristic large mouths and burrowing behavior. They have elongated bodies and are often colorful. Jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of building and inhabiting burrows....
Naso Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive appearance, including a prominent nose horn (more developed in males) and vibrant coloration. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Naso tangs are active swimmers and often seen...
Pennant Bannerfish
Fourspot Butterflyfish
Klein’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Tobacco Basslet
Singular Bannerfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Brown Tang
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
Twospot Soldierfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, often found in lagoons and seaward reefs. Recognized by its vibrant red or orange body, distinctive black tips on its dorsal fin, and large eyes. Nocturnal species, typically seeking shelter in caves or crevices during the...
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Bluelined Hind
Convict Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Yellowhead Jawfish
Overview Found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea. Known for their bright yellow head and elongated body. They have a large mouth and are often seen hovering near their burrows. Yellowhead jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of...
Red Sea bannerfish
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Helfrich’s Firefish
Stark’s Tilefish
Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish
Blackback Butterflyfish
Collare Butterflyfish
Peacock Grouper
Mimic Tang
Shortnose Unicornfish
Schooling Bannerfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Blue Tang
Bluespine Unicorn Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive long horn-like protrusion on their forehead, which develops with age. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Unicorn tangs are active swimmers and often seen grazing on algae....
Horned Bannerfish
Latticed Butterflyfish
Lined Butterflyfish
Four-Eyed Butterflyfish
Marine Betta
